Research Science Associate

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's Space Radiation Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology is seeking a Research Scientist Associate to coordinate NASA astrophysics missions, including NuSTAR and UVEX, and to lead the development and use of mission simulation tools. You will serve as a key scientific interface between mission teams and the broader scientific community.

The role includes directing scientific and technical tasks, coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, and conducting independent research

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Five or more years of relevant research experience in astronomy or astrophysics, including postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent astrophysics research.
• Experience supporting or contributing to the scientific activities of a space-based astronomy mission or comparable large scientific collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating scientific or technical activities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientific and technical collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate NuSTAR mission activities and act as project scientist.
• Lead scientific coordination between mission teams and the user community.
• Develop and manage the UVEX simulator to meet mission requirements.
• Coordinate science team communications and collaborations.
• Conduct independent high-energy astrophysics research and publish findings.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Coordination across multidisciplinary

Independent research capability

Space mission experience

Education

PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Space Radiation Laboratory (SRL) at the California Institute of Technology is seeking a Research Scientist Associate to support scientific activities associated with NASA astrophysics missions, including the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission. The Research Scientist Associate will have significant responsibility for the scientific coordination and management of mission activities, including serving as a key scientific interface between mission teams and the broader scientific community. The position will also provide scientific and technical leadership for the development and use of mission simulation tools and coordinate activities across multidisciplinary and multi-institutional science teams. In addition to mission responsibilities, the successful candidate will conduct independent research in high-energy astrophysics.

NuSTAR Project Science and Scientific Management: Serve as a project scientist for the NASA NuSTAR mission. Provide scientific coordination and management of NuSTAR activities at Caltech and work closely with mission scientists and technical staff on scientific priorities, observing activities, data processing needs, calibration, and other mission science activities. NuSTAR Scientific Community Coordination: Serve as a primary scientific interface between the NuSTAR team at Caltech and the broader national and international scientific user community. Coordinate scientific communication and activities necessary to support effective use of the mission and its scientific capabilities. UVEX Simulation Leadership: Serve as the simulation lead for the UVEX mission. Coordinate and manage the development and use of the UVEX simulator and work with science and technical teams to ensure that the simulator's design and capabilities meet mission requirements. Assign, direct, and review scientific and technical tasks performed by members of the simulator development team. UVEX Science Team Coordination: Serve as a science team coordinator for the UVEX mission. Coordinate communications, meetings, and scientific activities involving the broader UVEX science team and science leadership group. Facilitate collaboration across participating scientists, institutions, and technical teams. Independent Scientific Research: Conduct independent research in high-energy astrophysics. Develop and pursue scientific research projects, analyze and interpret astronomical data, prepare scientific publications, and present research findings to the scientific community.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Five or more years of relevant research experience in astronomy or astrophysics, including postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent astrophysics research.
• Experience supporting or contributing to the scientific activities of a space-based astronomy mission or comparable large scientific collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating scientific or technical activities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientific and technical collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research expertise in high-energy astrophysics, X-ray astronomy, or a closely related area.
• Experience with NASA astrophysics missions or other space-based astronomical observatories.
• Experience serving in a scientific leadership, project scientist, or science coordination role for a major research project or mission.
• Experience coordinating large, international, or multi-institutional scientific collaborations.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$87,000 - $121,000 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .